Russian, Belarusian officials denied entry to New Zealand over invasion of Ukraine

Russian and Belarusian citizens responsible for the invasion of Ukraine have been banned from entering New Zealand.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade reported this on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.

The sanctions list includes 102 people, including high-ranking Russian political leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

The New Zealand government will also introduce legislation to allow it to impose sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. When passed, it will be the first time New Zealand would have levied sanctions individually on a country, Reuters said.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the sanctions will give the country the ability to freeze Russian assets in New Zealand, prevent people and companies from moving their money and assets here to escape sanctions imposed by other countries.

New Zealand will also stop super yachts, ships and aircraft from entering the country's waters or airspace.